Sleeping Bags vs. Blankets: Which Is Best for Your Emergency Kit?
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When you’re building or updating your emergency kit, one of the most common questions is: Should I pack a sleeping bag or just throw in a blanket? Both options have perks, but depending on your climate, storage space, and the type of emergencies you’re preparing for, one may be a better fit than the other.
This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each—so you can confidently choose what will keep you and your family warm when it matters most.
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Why Warmth Matters in Emergencies
In a disaster, staying warm isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. Hypothermia can set in surprisingly fast, especially if you're wet, tired, or unable to move much.
Whether you shelter in place during a winter power outage, evacuate in cold weather, or get stranded in your car, having the right warming gear in your kit could make all the difference.
Sleeping Bags: The Emergency Workhorse
Best for: Cold climates, car kits, power outages, evacuation shelters
Worst for: Situations where space is extremely limited
Pros of Sleeping Bags
- Superior insulation: Sleeping bags trap warm air around your body far better than blankets.
- Designed for cold: Many models come with temperature ratings, so you know exactly how low they can go.
- Compact and portable: Most pack down easily and are lightweight.
- Weather-resistant options: Some are water-resistant or waterproof—key during wet or snowy emergencies.
➡️ Amazon Link: This wearable sleeping bag has arm and leg holes, allowing you to stay warm while you move around. Check it out.
Cons of Sleeping Bags
- More expensive: Especially higher-end or four-season bags.
- Not ideal for hot weather: Can feel stuffy or restrictive.
Blankets: A Flexible, Budget-Friendly Option
Best for: Home emergency kits, shelters in place, warm climates
Worst for: Severe cold, wet conditions
Pros of Blankets
- Versatile: Use for warmth, privacy, shade, ground cover, or even makeshift shelter.
- Budget-friendly: Good emergency blankets can be very affordable.
- No claustrophobia: Some people simply sleep better under blankets.
- Easy to layer: You can stack multiple blankets in extreme cold.
Cons of Blankets
- Not as warm: They don’t trap heat as efficiently as a sleeping bag.
- Bulky: High-quality blankets take up more space.
- Less effective in cold weather: Especially if wet or windy.
*All of this is subjective to the quality of the blanket or sleeping bag.
Fleece vs. Wool: Which is Better?
1. Warmth
Wool: Excellent warmth. Even when wet, wool can still insulate and keep you warm.
Fleece: Very warm for its weight, but loses most insulation when wet.
Winner: Wool (especially in cold or damp environments)
2. Moisture Performance
Wool: Naturally moisture-wicking and somewhat water-resistant. Can absorb moisture without feeling wet.
Fleece: Dries fast but becomes chilly and less effective if soaked. Doesn’t wick moisture like wool.
Winner: Wool for wet conditions; Fleece for quick drying.
3. Weight & Bulk
Wool: Heavier and bulkier. Great for home kits or cars but not ideal for backpack kits.
Fleece: Lightweight and packs down smaller. Ideal for go-bags or hiking.
Winner: Fleece for portability.
4. Comfort
Wool: Can be scratchy depending on the type. Higher-quality wool is softer but more expensive.
Fleece: Extremely soft, cozy, and comfortable for most people.
Winner: Fleece for comfort.
5. Durability
Wool: Very durable and long-lasting. Naturally fire-resistant.
Fleece: Durable but can pill over time. Not fire-resistant and can melt near heat sources.
Winner: Wool (especially for emergency heating situations).
6. Cost
Wool: More expensive, especially 100% wool blankets.
Fleece: Very budget-friendly.
Winner: Fleece for affordability.
Which Is Better for Emergency Kits?
Go Bags / Evacuation Kits:
Fleece — lightweight, packable, warm, and affordable.
Home Emergency Kits:
Wool — better insulation, safer near heaters or fires, stays warm even when damp.
Car Kits:
Wool — excellent in cold climates, great if stranded in winter.
Backup or Layering:
Both! Many preppers keep a fleece blanket and a wool blanket because they complement each other.
➡️ Amazon Link: Lightweight fleece blanket
➡️ Amazon Link: Washable wool emergency blanket
What About Mylar (Emergency) Blankets?
These shiny, compact blankets are incredibly popular—but they’re not a standalone solution for most situations.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Reflect body heat
- Fit anywhere
- Budget-friendly
- Good ground cover
- Can pull over you to keep rain off or hang as a tent
Cons
- Tear easily
- No insulation
- Loud and uncomfortable
- Not suitable for actual sleep
➡️ Amazon Link: Mylar emergency blanket multipack here.
Best use: To reflect heat when combined with a blanket or sleeping bag. The mylar blanket should be the outside layer.
Which Should You Pack, Sleeping Bag or Blanket?
If you live in a cold climate:
Choose sleeping bags for your evacuation kits and car kits. If you don't have sleeping bags, blankets will work until you have the ability to upgrade. Keep a mylar blanket in your kit so that it can be ground cover, or wrap around you to keep you from getting wet.
Keep blankets stored at home for layering or for power outages.
If you live in a warm climate:
Blankets may be sufficient for most scenarios, especially lightweight fleece or wool.
Still pack a Mylar blanket for unexpected cold, to use as ground cover and cover from rain.
If space is extremely limited:
A compressible sleeping bag outperforms most blankets in warmth-to-size.
➡️ Amazon Link: sleeping bag that's compact, lightweight that doesn't compromise warmth.
Best Setup for Most Families
For the most balanced approach, consider including:
- 1 sleeping bag per family member in your go bags
- 2–3 warm blankets per person at home for emergencies
- Mylar blankets as backup heat reflectors in every kit
➡️ Amazon Link: Mylar emergency blankets
➡️ Amazon Link: Queen size sleeping bag for 2 people
Final Thoughts
The “best” choice comes down to your climate, your budget, and your available space. Sleeping bags offer reliable warmth, especially in colder regions, while blankets provide versatility and comfort.
When possible, use both:
- Sleeping bags for warmth
- Blankets for layering and multipurpose use
- Mylar blankets for emergency heat retention
Pro tip: Layering a fleece or wool blanket inside a sleeping bag can extend the temperature rating. A fleece blanket can add ~5-10℉ of warmth. A wool blanket can add ~10-15℉ (sometimes more).
Preparing smart now means staying safe and warm later.
No fuss. No fluff. No fear.
Other Articles of Interest
Best Emergency Shelters for Any Disaster Scenario
Power's Out: How to Stay Safe in Extreme Temperatures